3:06pm: Hotline with Dave Weekley

Senior centers group also concerned about state budget cuts

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The group representing senior centers in West Virginia has joined a chorus of groups hoping they get a break in a very tight state budget year.

West Virginia Directors of Senior and Community Services said this week Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s plan to cut senior services by $1.6 million would “handcuff” senior centers. It’s a 7.5 percent cut.

Director Jennifer Gibson said the cuts would mostly impact senior center nutrition programs and transportation.

“We’ll have to call people and say, ‘No, we can’t take you this meal anymore today and no we can’t transport you to the doctor, the pharmacy or the grocery store,'” Gibson said.

There are currently waiting lists for those services.

“We can’t even serve all of the people who need these services and if the recommended budget goes through, then we’re going to have to even cut back on the people that are getting services already,” Gibson said.

The directors group said its services actually save the state money because getting seniors good meals and taking them to the doctor can help cut down on Medicaid costs.

The governor and state lawmakers are working to finalize the budget for next fiscal year. Gov. Tomblin has reduced revenue estimates for next fiscal year by more than $36 million. Gibson said she realizes the current situation but the state’s oldest residents should receive serious consideration.

“We want to make sure our state’s fiscal responsibilities are met but at the same time the legislature really needs to look at what are the priorities,” she said.

The senior centers receive funding through the state Bureau of Senior Services. The agency also had a 7.5 percent budget cut in the current state budget.





More News

News
UMWA to fight planned Pennsylvania coal mine closure, 700 mining jobs at risk
Mine located south of Waynesburg, Pa., less than 40 miles from Morgantown.
March 28, 2024 - 2:23 pm
News
Bridge collapse having an impact on West Virginia coal shipments
About third of the coal mined in northern West Virginia is shipped out of the presently idled Port of Baltimore
March 28, 2024 - 1:18 pm
News
Charleston animal shelter seeks more donations, fosters following U-Haul crash
The corner roof of the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association building was stabilized Thursday morning.
March 28, 2024 - 12:41 pm
News
Controversial unemployment bill becomes law without governor's signature
The bill freezes employer contributions and freezes benefits for people who lose their jobs.
March 28, 2024 - 12:20 pm


Your Comments